LM24 Why isn't Champion going to Le Mans?

H16 · 15 Feb 2002, 10:50 (Ref:216372)

I heard that Champion isn't bringing their R8 to Le Mans, which I find a real pitty. They weren't far behind the Joest effort last year despite all the problems when their clutch died.

It will be a shame if the R8 from Champion doesn't run at Le Mans.

**Aysedasi** · 15 Feb 2002, 11:10 (Ref:216388)

I agree it's a pity. According to the "Thursday Source" (!), they definitely aren't going, but will do the full ALMS. Perhaps because they've only got a 2001-spec car?

Blue2 · 15 Feb 2002, 15:59 (Ref:216545)

Yes, but this is most strange. If nothing else, at least they showed Audi what a paint job could be! They've also lost the boy Herbie to the works Audi team.

Speedworx · 15 Feb 2002, 19:34 (Ref:216655)

I'm sure we won't miss the Champion Audi too much! There are set to be 5 Audi's on the grid anyway!!!!!

pink69 · 15 Feb 2002, 21:30 (Ref:216763)

There will be no Gulf car in the ALMS this season so there will be 4 Audis @ sebring, not 5, Unless Gulf have decided to compete at Sebring. But Johanson is driving the Champion car at Sebring.

f2001 · 23 Feb 2002, 17:46 (Ref:221283)

one less audi then...

MaxSport · 24 Feb 2002, 19:41 (Ref:221893)

I can give you half a million reasons why Champion won't be at LeMans.

KM

Es Nes · 24 Feb 2002, 20:08 (Ref:221922)

would that be in singles, tens, twenties, or larger?

pink69 · 25 Feb 2002, 15:24 (Ref:222345)

Come on then Max sport, lets hear them!

Blue2 · 25 Feb 2002, 21:49 (Ref:222587)

Quote:

Originally posted by pink69
Come on then Max sport, lets hear them!

Yeah, I don't know them!

MaxSport · 26 Feb 2002, 08:06 (Ref:222740)

Can you blame Dave Maraj for not wanting to spend around a half million USD to compete at LM?

Champion sell cars in America. It is enough of a stretch to think that someone from California would buy a car in Florida,(a friend from Vegas did buy his new Turbo there) but who from Europe would buy a Porsche there just because Dave fields an LMP car at the 24 Hours of LM?

**Aysedasi** · 26 Feb 2002, 13:16 (Ref:222875)

That may all be very logical, but why miss out on the most important sports car race in the world? The kudos which a win at Le Mans brings with it is far more tangible than any other race win.

MaxSport · 27 Feb 2002, 12:01 (Ref:223548)

I guess the kudos aren't worth 500,000K to them. Besides, what chance of winning do they have against the factory team?

While life doesn't all come down to money, it is a factor.

KM

**Aysedasi** · 27 Feb 2002, 13:21 (Ref:223611)

I guess you're right, but factory teams do get beaten from time to time - you only have to look at Joest's record over the years to see that!! (Mind you, if the factory effectively is Joest, that makes it even more unlikely, I suppose!).

Nordic · 27 Feb 2002, 14:09 (Ref:223646)

I think you have a very good chance to beat the factory teams at Le Mans, more than at other race i would guess.
Alot can & does go wrong over 24hrs.

**Aysedasi** · 27 Feb 2002, 18:54 (Ref:223823)

Quote:

Originally posted by Nordic
I think you have a very good chance to beat the factory teams at Le Mans, more than at other race i would guess.
Alot can & does go wrong over 24hrs.

.....like the weather!!

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